ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

This Gold Medal winning hotel is located just 5 miles from downtown Boston and 3 miles from LoganInternationalAirport. This state of the art, eight story hotel features 208 deluxe guestrooms and suites, all well appointed with thoughtful features. Our extensive amenities include a chlorine free indoor pool, exercise room, business center, charming restaurant and lounge as well as free parking. All Guests can enjoy a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast served in our breakfast area each morning.Mass transit is easily accessible for the short journey into the heart of nearby Boston.

The Comfort Inn & Suites Boston/Airport, owned and operated by the Saunders Hotel Group (SHG) of Boston, was built from scratch in 2000. The Saunders Hotel Group, internationally recognized for pioneering urban ecotourism, confirmed its commitment to environmental enhancement when it chose to build the hotel on a former Brownfield in Revere.

SHG'scompany tagline, "Preserving the Past and Protecting the Future" TM speaks volumes about its commitment to preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of Boston. The third generation Saunders Family has a proud tradition of community involvement. It is also dedicated to promoting Boston as a world class global destination for leisure and business travelers alike, who visit Boston to experience the heart of American history.

The Comfort Inn & Suites as a Superior Energy Manager

The Saunders Hotel Group employs an Environmental Coordinator who is extensively educated on environmental issues. In an urban setting, our focus is on dramatically reducing resource consumption, while educating guests, employees and the community on environmental issues. Most of the planning and coordination for these efforts is managed through a Green Team. SHG works with managers and front-line employees to monitor the life-cycle impact of daily business practices, and discover additional opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint.

SHG's award winning environmental program includes the following five components:

SHG focuses on energy efficient technologies and practices in lighting, HVAC, hot water, kitchens, and pools mostly with paybacks of less than 3 years. SHG monitors and reports monthly on the use of resources (natural gas, electricity, water and waste) to ensure that efficiency measures are innovative and effective.

Why Work with ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized brand that our guests know and appreciate. The program offers numerous energy management ideas, products, and measurement tools. It was simple to initiate our participation and provided a high return with recognition and money saved. The ENERGY STAR program has been a win-win for The Comfort Inn & Suites Boston / Airport and Saunders Hotel Group.

TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES

Saunders Hotel Group has implemented the following technologies in upgrading its energy efficiency systems at the Comfort Inn & Suites Boston / Airport.

Hundreds of low energy windows

Super-efficient boilers and heat pumps;

ENERGY STAR office equipment, and televisions;

Motion sensors for lighting in intermittent or low-traffic areas;

State of the art, infrared motion sensors for HVAC in all guestrooms;

An ozone laundry system, avoids the use of hot water and cleaning chemicals;

An ionization cleaning system for the swimming pool eliminates the use of harmful chlorine;

Note: The last two initiatives alone remove 52 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.

We are currently evaluating a solar hot water system for this property - to see if it is feasible and effective.

Project Examples

Project

Initial Cost

Payback Period

How Project was Financed

Motion sensors in storage areas, closets etc

Approx. $500

1 year

Engineering budget

Compact Fluorescent Chandelier Bulbs

$5,000

8 months

Engineering budget

Separate meter for cooling tower

N/A

1-3 years

Combination of water utility and Engineering budget

Communications:

Internal Communications

We celebrate Earth Day each year with volunteer opportunities, prizes, and educational materials for guests. We recognize housekeepers with the EarthKeeper Award, and recognize one department and individual employee with the Saunders Hotel Initiative to Nurture the Environment Award.SHG holds Green Team meetings with department heads General Managers to review goals and progress.

External Communications

SHG's environmental efforts have been covered in the New York Times, Center for New American Dream, Newsweek, Robb Report, Travel and Leisure, and USA Today. SHG has received environmental awards from President George H. Bush, ENERGY STAR, British Airways, NWF and Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

Testimonial:

ENERGY STAR is one of our best partners in helping us save money and reduce our environmental impact. Their web site is rich with ideas and products. The Building Portfolio Manager is a simple and wonderfully useful tool. It encourages us to set goals and document our usage, and reports comparative energy and water usage in an clear and helpful way. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.

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Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by Saunders Hotel Group or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.